Covenant People
by Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz
As The Salvation Army looks toward 2026 and our focus on “Our Holy Covenant,” a powerful call resonates throughout our movement: Remember who you are and Whose you are.
We are a covenant people — men and women who have responded to God’s sacred invitation, choosing to live and serve with purpose. This focus is not only for the coming year but is lived out every day, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons when opportunities to serve are numerous.
To be part of The Salvation Army means embracing a sacred promise. Our covenants — whether as soldiers or officers — are more than words; they are a living witness to our identity in Christ. These promises bind us heart and soul to Jesus and to one another. All soldiers vow to share the good news and love with their neighbors, while officers dedicate themselves to ongoing soul-winning and compassionate service. Our covenants are not burdens but blessings, guiding us toward a life of holy adventure.
The holidays hold special meaning for The Salvation Army. As the leaves turn and winter approaches, our ministry increases in visibility and impact. Each Thanksgiving, families gather around tables filled with food provided by caring donors. Christmas brings the sound of bells, the comfort of shelter, and the joy of giving gifts with love. These moments are not just traditions. They are opportunities for covenant people to bring hope and light into a weary world.
What does it look like when the promises of the covenant come to life? It looks like a soldier in a food pantry, sharing not just a meal but the message of Jesus’ love. It’s an officer on a cold December night, listening to a neighbor’s burdens, praying with them, and meeting practical needs. Soldiers step into the lives of the needy, embodying our practical mission of extending our “heart to God, hand to man.” Officers pour themselves into soul-winning, remembering that every act of compassion is also an invitation into God’s Kingdom.
Social service in The Salvation Army is never just about meeting physical needs. Each box of food, warm coat, and gift card is given with prayer and offered in Jesus’ name. The impact is spiritual — lives are touched, hope is rekindled, and seeds of transformation are sown. Soldiers and officers witness miracles: a single mom finding strength, a senior rediscovering joy, a family experiencing Christ’s presence for the first time.
Consider Maria, a mother who came to a Salvation Army Thanksgiving meal, weary and afraid. She left with more than food. She received prayer, friendship, and faith in a God who sees her. Or James, a soldier who rings bells every year, sharing blessings and his testimony with as many donors as possible. These stories are not rare. They happen every day, wherever covenant people answer God’s call.
In a world easily distracted by busyness and noise, The Salvation Army’s covenant people are reminded to focus on what matters most: Kingdom outcomes. Every turkey distributed, every toy given, every prayer offered is an investment in eternity. The true victory isn’t just in full bellies or warm homes, but in souls won for Christ and lives forever changed.
As we approach 2026 and our emphasis on “Our Holy Covenant,” let us remember that our faith is not seasonal, but steadfast. Let the urgency of Thanksgiving and Christmas propel us to live more fully in covenant all year long. May every act of service shine with Jesus’ love, and may we, as covenant people, stay focused on our holy calling.
The world is waiting. Let’s serve, love, and transform — together.
